 The history of the creation of
the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus of is directly linked to the
social and political climate in the United States at the turn of the last
century. It is in that light that the connection between the Fourth Degree
and its Color Corps, that has grown to be the most visible aspect of the
Knights, must be seen.
The idea of adding new degrees to the Order's original three, (Charity,
Unity, Fraternity) first came to light in 1886. Supreme Knight James T.
Mullen appointed a committee to look into forming two new "commander"
degrees. That same year the Connecticut Catholic, a local newspaper,
carried an advertisement calling members of local Knights of Columbus
councils to meet to form a "Uniformed Legion." The idea for this new unit
arose from a growing nation wide sense of Nationalism, or what we would
call today Patriotism. The unknown author in Connecticut was not alone in
wanting a visible organization.
Little happened at this time because there was not enough wide spread
interest in creating additional new degrees. The Order's leaders balked at
the idea of a Uniformed Legion for the simple reason that the cost for the
"Uniform" was well over $100.00. They feared the "Legion" would cause an
economical class split between wealthy and poorer members of the Order.
Following the Spanish American War, it was decided that there should be
one new Degree added based on the principle of Patriotism. In 1899, Edward
L. Hearn was elected Supreme Knight and he immediately appointed a
committee to establish and format the new Degree to be given the following
year.
In order to qualify for this Degree each candidate had to be a Third
Degree member of the Knights of Columbus in good standing for three years,
and show evidence of distinctive service to the Order, church, and
community. Finally the candidate had to have a letter from his priest
stipulating that he had received communion within the past two weeks.
The first Exemplification of the new Degree was scheduled to be held in
the Astor Hotel in New York City on February 22, 1900. However, there were
so many candidates, the Exemplification had to be moved to a larger venue.
Therefore the site was moved to the Lenox Lyceum. At this first
Exemplification of the Fourth Degree 1,100 members of the Knights of
Columbus, being in good standing "took their fourth." The second
Exemplification, held in Boston on May 8, 1900 saw another 750 Third
Degree knights join the ranks of Sir Knights.
In the early years of the Fourth Degree, members met as part of their
councils, mostly after meetings. In 1910, during a reorganization of the
Order's leadership, the first Assemblies were created. Additionally the
position of Supreme Master was established to lead the Fourth Degree
internationally. Vice Supreme Masters lead Provinces and Masters head
Districts. This system has spread and flourished as Sir Knights not only
serve their local Church through their service to local councils but also
their joint efforts in these Assemblies.
The Honor Guard, first called for in 1886 was officially formed in 1902,
for ceremonial purposes. Since that time, the uniforms of the Color Corps
have varied, however all have shared the similar theme of mariners. Most
noticeable in today's current uniform is the chapeau worn with ostrich
feathers.
In the year 2000, the Fourth degree celebrated its 100th anniversary with
approximately 252,000 member Sir Knights!!!
Please Help Us Thank Our Past Faithful Navigators . . .
Note: I know this list is incomplete.
If you can identify any Past Faithful Navigator
not listed, or fill in the dates they served, please
click here to let us know by email.
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Sir Knight of The Year
2009-10
Al Kopp
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